Free Thanksgiving Reading (Courtesy of Nightshade Books)

Just saw this over at Grasping for the Wind and it looks like an offer that everyone should be taking advantage of. 'Agatha H and the Airship City', 'Of Blood and Honey' and 'The Emperor's Knife' for free (ebooks though, not hard copies); all you need to do is send Nightshade Books an email :o)

Now if only I could get my phone to behave itself and download the books...

One for 2013? 'A Conspiracy of Alchemists' (Liesel Schwarz)

Today was meant to be a 'Red Country' review but that clearly isn't happening (hopefully tomorrow instead...) so today is going to be about another 2013 release instead. ARCs arrive and they may/may not be read so I figured it would be worth flagging up a few of the potentially noteworthy ones here. Like this one...

It is 1903, and the world is divided between light and shadow. On the side of light is a wondrous science that has transformed everyday life by harnessing magical energies to ingenious new technologies. But each advance of science has come at the expense of shadow—the traditional realm of the supernatural.

Now two ancient powers are preparing to strike back. Blood-sucking immortal Nightwalkers and their spellcasting Alchemist allies have a plan to cover the whole world in shadow. All they require is the sacrifice of a certain young woman whose past conceals a dangerous secret.

But when they come after Elle, they get more than they bargained for. This enterprising young woman, the daughter of a scientific genius, has reserves of bravery and determination that even she scarcely suspects. Now she is about to meet her match in more ways than one: a handsome yet infuriating Warlock named Hugh Marsh, whose agenda is as suspect as his charms are annoyingly irresistible.

What is the publishing world going to do once everyone has had enough of Steampunk? That's a question for another day I think.

I'm not too sure about this one. Steampunk? Yes. Urban Fantasy? Maybe. Paranormal Romance? No, not at all. 'A Conspiracy of Alchemists' (to be published in March next year) is all three so I'm not in a mad rush to pick this one up? What about you?

One for 2013? 'The Farm' - Emily McKay (Berkeley UK)

There hasn't been a lot of time for reading/reviewing this week (see yesterday's post) but this book came through the door yesterday evening and I thought it was worth a post here. Check it out,

For Lily and her twin sister Mel there is only the Farm ...

It's a prison, a blood bank, a death camp - where fear and paranoia rule. But it's also home, of sorts. Because beyond the electric fence awaits a fate much, much worse. 

But Lily has a plan. 

She and Mel are going to escape - into the ravaged land outside, a place of freedom and chaos and horrors. Except Lily hasn't reckoned on two things: first, her sister's ability to control the horrors; and, secondly, on those out there who desperately want to find and control Mel. 

Mel's growing power might save the world, or utterly end it. But only Lily can protect Mel from what is to come... 

 

Horror on the inside and even worse on the outside? A blood bank, are we talking vampires here?Yep, I'll have some of that :o)  'The Farm' will be published in February next year and it looks like there will be a whole load of stuff happening on Twitter before then. I'm intrigued enough to give this one a go before the release date, possibly sometime next month. How about you? Has this one caught your eye?

So I've been blogging elsewhere today...

It's been a busy week for me as I'm right in the middle of work experience with Tor, busy but possibly one of the best weeks at work that I've ever had :o) I'll tell you more about it at the end of the week.

In the meantime, I was asked if I could contribute something to their blog; something about being a blogger, and what it can mean, as well as any tips for those thinking of starting their own blogs up. It didn't take much for me to say 'Yes!' If you want to read about Star Wars Glitter Picnics, a dodgy boiler and blogging then click right Here.

One for 2013? 'The Holders' - Julianna Scott (Strange Chemistry)

It's that time of year again when ARCs, for next year, come through the door. I probably won't get round to reading all of them so I thought it could be fun to pick some out (here and there) and see if they catch your eye.

If you're a blogger then you're probably like me and keeping at least half an eye open on what Strange Chemistry is up to. Most book bloggers secretly (or not so secretly) aspire to some kind of life in publishing and it doesn't get a lot bigger than being a blogger and scoring your own imprint. That's exactly what Amanda Rutter did and Strange Chemistry has been making a YA name for itself ever since. 'The Holders' will be released in March next year, check it out...

 
17-year-old Becca has spent her whole life protecting her brother – from their father leaving and from the people who say the voices in his head are unnatural. When two strangers appear with apparent answers to Ryland’s “problem” and details about a school in Ireland where Ryland will not only fit in, but prosper, Becca is up in arms. 

She reluctantly agrees to join Ryland on his journey and what they find at St. Brigid’s is a world beyond their imagination. Little by little they piece find out information about their family’s heritage and the legend of the Holder race that decrees Ryland is the one they’ve been waiting for—but, they are all, especially Becca, in for a surprise that will change what they thought they knew about themselves and their kind.

Uninspiring cover but a blurb that's intriguing, that'll do me :o) I can see myself reading 'The Holders' a little closer to the release date (loads of other books that I want to read first) but... yep, I'll be picking this one up. How about you? 

Paul Cornell Launching 'London Falling' at Forbidden Planet

From the press release...

PAUL CORNELL LAUNCHES LONDON FALLING!

FORBIDDEN PLANET LONDON THURSDAY 6th DECEMBER 6 – 7pm

The dark is rising . . .

Detective Inspector James Quill is about to complete the drugs bust of his career. Then his prize suspect Rob Toshack is murdered in custody. Furious, Quill pursues the investigation, co-opting intelligence analyst Lisa Ross and undercover cops Costain and Sefton. But nothing about Toshack’s murder is normal.

Toshack had struck a bargain with a vindictive entity, whose occult powers kept Toshack one step ahead of the law – until his luck ran out. Now, the team must find a 'suspect' who can bend space and time and alter memory itself. And they will kill again.

As the group starts to see London’s sinister magic for themselves, they have two choices: panic or use their new abilities. Then they must hunt a terrifying supernatural force the only way they know how: using police methods, equipment and tactics. But they must all learn the rules of this new game - and quickly. More than their lives will depend on it.

Paul Cornell has written some of Doctor Who's best-loved episodes. He has also written a number of comics for Marvel and DC, including The X-Men and Batman & Robin. He has been Hugo Award-nominated for his work in TV, comics and prose, and won the BSFA Award for his short fiction. LONDON FALLING is his first urban fantasy novel.

I'm still half and half about whether I'll be reading this one (Urban Fantasy and I, the same old story...) but thought the launch was worth a mention. Has anyone else here either read 'London Falling' or started? What did you think of it?

Judge Dredd joins World Book Night

World Book Night isn't until April 23rd next year but this is well worth the mention now because, well... Judge Death! :o)

From the press release,

2000 AD is delighted to announce that one of its titles has been chosen as the first ever graphic novel to be featured in World Book Night. Judge Dredd: The Dark Judges is an all-time classic from the pages of the ongoing weekly British comic, and this pocket-size ‘B format’ reprint sees the ultimate lawman of the future encounter his deadliest foes - Judges from a dimension where even life itself is a crime! It is the first time that a graphic novel has been featured in World Book Night, which aims to give away 500,000 books to promote and encourage reading. The BBC has returned as the charity’s media partner, with the book selection to feature on BBC1’s “The One Show” as well as “Newsnight Review”.

Featuring some of the most iconic moments in the strip’s history, this volume includes the original Judge Death story, along with the sequels, Death Lives and The Dark Judges, and the Judge Anderson follow-up, Four Dark Judges. The Dark Judges are the four grotesque lawmen of the Apocalypse: the chilling Judge Fear, the devastating Judge Fire, the terrifying Judge Mortis and their leader - JUDGE DEATH! Twisted alien super-fiends from another dimension where all life has been declared a crime, after wiping out their own world, they plan to bring that murderous mission to Mega-City One! Judge Dredd and his wise-cracking psychic partner, Judge Anderson, must do everything they can to stop the fearsome foursome bringing their brand of justice to the city!

“As one of the most iconic British brands in publishing we are absolutely delighted to be a part of World Book Night ,” said 2000 AD and Rebellion Publishing manager Ben Smith. “Not only is The Dark Judges a classic Judge Dredd story, but the role that comics can play in encouraging reading and boosting literacy is well known. I have no doubt that people who receive one of the free copies will discover a new world of amazing stories, and hopefully will develop an appetite for great British
comics.”

I can't help but think this has happened because of the fuss made over the number of genre titles in the last World Book Night. When the bottom line is more people getting a chance to read some classic Dredd though... You can't complain really, I'm not :o) If I haven't already read the book by next April then I'll be reading it on the 23rd. You should give it a go if you get the chance.

One for 2013? 'The Mad Scientist's Daughter' (Cassandra Rose Clarke)

I actually posted about this book way back in August but I started reading my advance copy today and find myself in the position of being able to answer my own question a little earlier than next February (the 7th is the release date). One for 2013? Based on what I've read so far, the answer is a resounding 'Yes' :o)

I should hopefully have something a little more in depth for you, next week (I think), but do make a note to watch out for 'The Mad Scientist's Daughter' when February comes round. I think this one is going to be special.

There’s never been anyone - or anything - quite like Finn.

He looks, and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task is to tutor Cat.

When the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

Pan Macmillan acquires two new horror novels by British author Adam Nevill

A little bit late (ok, very late, should have gone out on Wednesday) but still well worth a post here.

From the press release...

Julie Crisp, Editorial Director at Pan Macmillan, has concluded a world rights deal for two further horror novels by British author Adam Nevill with agent John Jarrold. The deal also involves re-publication of Adam’s first novel, BANQUET FOR THE DAMNED, as a Pan paperback. The new books will be published in 2014 and 2015.

Adam Nevill’s novels APARTMENT 16 , THE RITUAL and LAST DAYS have already been published by Pan Macmillan, with HOUSE OF SMALL SHADOWS due for publication in May 2013. THE RITUAL won best horror novel at this year’s British Fantasy Awards and the Guardian recently dubbed Adam ‘ Britain ’s answer to Stephen King.’

Julie Crisp said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled that on the perfect day for it – Halloween – we’ve acquired the next two books from Adam Nevill. We have a proud tradition of publishing horror at Pan Macmillan and Adam is a shining example of brilliant – and terrifying – British horror writing!’

Adam Nevill said: ‘I am thrilled about this opportunity to keep building a body of work with a terrific publisher, and one with such a significant legacy in the field of British horror fiction. On Halloween too. Perfect timing. In celebration, sacrifices will be made to strange gods.’

'Britain's answer to Stephen King' indeed :o) I'm a little behind with my reading here (still need to read 'Last Days') but Nevill has already done more than enough to make each new book of his one that I'll be reading. If you're a fan of horror then you should too, trust me on that :o)

SF Gateway to publish Michael Scott Rohan's 'Winter of the World' trilogy (and I'm very pleased to hear it!)

When I answered those questions for Jo Fletcher Books (link down the page) I mentioned that some of my favourite books were Michael Scott Rohan's original 'Winter of the World' trilogy. Regular readers of the blog will already know this; I spoke about the first trilogy Here (might need to reappraise my opinion of the 'tedious descriptions of smithcraft' though...) and the second series over Here.

These books can be found on Amazon (ridiculously cheap) and I'd always recommend them. The other day, I was told that SF Gateway will be publishing the first two books ('The Anvil of Ice' and 'The Forge in the Forest') as ebooks early next month. Thanks for the heads up Simon! ;o) Shame they're going for the plain yellow cover rather than the gorgeous Ian Miller originals though.

I'm a self confessed fan of these books but they are worth the read anyway, no doubt about it. It's long past time I had a re-read so I'll be picking up 'The Anvil of Ice' and 'The Forge in the Forest', aiming for reviews in early November. You Kindle owners could do a lot worse than head over to Amazon and grab yourselves copies (£2.99, if I didn't already have second hand copies then I'd fork out the cash).

One for 2013? 'The Six Gun Tarot' (R.S. Belcher)

The end of the year is in sight and (once again) that means I'm starting to find advance copies of next years books landing on the doorstep. And so the 'One for...?' posts were born; a little 'heads up' here and there highlighting books that I think could be worth taking a look at :o) Books like this one for example...

Nevada, 1869: Beyond the pitiless 40-Mile Desert lies Golgotha, a cattle town that hides more than its share of unnatural secrets. The sheriff bears the mark of the noose around his neck; some say he is a dead man whose time has not yet come. His half-human deputy is kin to coyotes. The mayor guards a hoard of mythical treasures. A banker’s wife belongs to a secret order of assassins. And a shady saloon owner, whose fingers are in everyone’s business, may know more about the town’s true origins than he’s letting on.

A haven for the blessed and the damned, Golgotha has known many strange events, but nothing like the primordial darkness stirring in the abandoned silver mine overlooking the town. Bleeding midnight, an ancient evil is spilling into the world, and unless the sheriff and his posse can saddle up in time, Golgotha will have seen its last dawn…and so will all of Creation.

I got to admit that this one caught my eye because of the great time I had reading Lee Collins' 'The Dead of Winter', I'm really after reading more fantasy type stuff in a Wild West setting :o) 'The Six Gun Tarot' looks like it's taking things a lot further than 'The Dead of Winter' though and I'm cool with that, the weirder the better :o)

'The Six Gun Tarot' will be published in January next year (don't know the exact date, not that publication dates seem to matter these days...) and I'm hoping to give it a go a little before then, how about you? Is this a book that you can see yourself picking up?

One for 2013? ‘Red Moon’ (Benjamin Percy)

I’m a sucker for business cards at the best of times so when this came through the door, on Saturday, I was immediately interested…

On first glance my initial thought was, “Another Urban Fantasy novel? The world needs another one of those…” I was tempted to ring the Help Line number though, I still might (just to see who picks up). There was nothing with the card though (no press release or anything like that) and it was a Saturday so… I did a little digging to find out what ‘Red Moon’ (the title on the other side of the card) was all about. A little Googling later and I find that ‘Red Moon’ will be released by Hodder in May 2013 and looks to hopefully be a little different from a lot of Urban Fantasy. I’m hoping so anyway as the blurb looks interesting. Check it out,

They live among us.
They are your neighbour, your mother, your lover.
They change.

Every teenage girl thinks she’s different. When government agents kick down Claire Forrester’s front door and murder her parents, Claire realizes just how different she is.

Patrick Gamble was nothing special until the day he got on a plane and hours later stepped off it, the only passenger left alive, a hero.

President Chase Williams has sworn to protect the people of the United States from the menace in their midst, but is becoming the very thing he has promised to destroy.

So far the threat has been controlled by laws and violence and drugs. But the night of the red moon is coming, when an unrecognizable world will emerge, and the battle for humanity will begin.

Like I said, the blurb has intrigued me enough to give ‘Red Moon’ a go (it reminds me of 'The Strain'). How about you?

If you’re after finding out more about Benjamin Percy, have a click Here for his website.

'New' JRR Tolkien epic due out next year

Ok, it's not new at all. This from The Guardian...

'HarperCollins has announced the acquisition of Tolkien's never-before-published poem The Fall of Arthur, which will be released for the first time next May. Running to more than 200 pages, Tolkien's story was inspired by Geoffrey of Monmouth and Thomas Malory's tales of King Arthur, and is told in narrative verse. Set in the last days of Arthur's reign, the poem sees Tolkien tackling the old king's battle to save his country from Mordred the usurper, opening as Arthur and Gawain go to war.'

'For the book's editor at HarperCollins, Chris Smith, the news that Tolkien had finished work on The Fall of Arthur was an unexpected surprise. "Though its title had been known from Humphrey Carpenter's Biography and JRR Tolkien's own letters, we never supposed that it would see the light of day," he said. He described the previously unpublished work as "extraordinary", saying that it "breathes new life into one of our greatest heroes, liberating him from the clutches of Malory's romantic treatment, and revealing Arthur as a complex, all-too human individual who must rise above the greatest of betrayals to liberate his beloved kingdom".

 

These are the "new" poem's opening lines:

 

"Arthur eastward in arms purposed
his war to wage on the wild marches,
over seas sailing to Saxon lands,
from the Roman realm ruin defending.
Thus the tides of time to turn backward
and the heathen to humble, his hope urged him,
that with harrying ships they should hunt no more
on the shining shores and shallow waters
of South Britain, booty seeking."

 

Not being a poetry fan, I can't see myself picking this one up to be honest. How about you?
Nice timing with the publication date as well. Just in time for all those people, who have just finished reading (re-reading?) 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', who will be looking for something new to read. Can't help but wonder if they'll be a little disappointed though...

Guest Posts Needed! (An Open Invitation)

I'll be taking a little blogging break, in a couple of weeks time (no real reason, just need a break from it), and thought I'd leave the blog to run wild and free just like I did the other week.  I've already done a weeks worth of competitions so didn't want to repeat the same old thing all over again. This time, I thought I'd do something with the blog that I've never done before (well, not on this scale). For one week only, I'm turning the blog over to anyone who wants to post about anything sci-fi/fantasy/horror related. Do you want to talk about your favourite book/comic/film/whatever here? That's good. Do you want to have a little moan about something genre related? That's good as well. Are you thinking of something else entirely? Well, that's ok just so long as you're not one of those people who offer guest posts and then give you something about online poker (yep, I'm looking at you)

This one is primarily open to writers and other bloggers (as they're the ones you normally find doing all the writing) but if you're a reader who wants to have a go at posting them I'm cool with that as well. Just drop me an email (address at the top) and tell me what you're thinking of. If I like it then I'll be back in touch and we'll take it from there. The only thing is that I'd need your post by the 28th of October. If you fancy helping a blogger out then send me an email ;o)

'Unfettered' (Edited by Shawn Speakman), Table of Contents

I've been looking forward to this collection ever since it was announced and the race is now on to find a job so I can actually afford a copy to call my own (it's now available for pre-order). I mean, I need a job to pay for lots of other things as well but... you know :o)

In the meantime, have a look at the table of contents, looks good doesn't it? Any collection with a Tad Williams tale in it gets my vote but there are a few others here that catch the eye. There are also a few reminders here about authors that I still need to check out (*cough*MarkLawrence*cough!*) How about you?

• The Shade of Allanon by Terry Brooks (a Shannara tale)
• Imaginary Friends by Terry Brooks (a precursor to the Word/Void trilogy)
• How Old Holly Came To Be by Patrick Rothfuss
• River of Souls by Robert Jordan & Brandon Sanderson (a Wheel of Time tale)
• The Old Scale Game by Tad Williams
• Martyr of the Roses by Jacqueline Carey (a precursor to the Kushiel series)
• Dogs by Daniel Abraham
• Mudboy by Peter V. Brett (a Demon Cycle tale)
• Nocturne by Robert V. S. Redick
• The Sound of Broken Absolutes by Peter Orullian (a Vault of Heaven tale)
• Untitled by Geno & R.A. Salvatore
• Keeper of Memory by Todd Lockwood (a Summer Dragon tale)
• Game of Chance by Carrie Vaughn
• The Lasting Doubts of Joaquin Lopez by Blake Charlton
• The Chapel Perilous by Kevin Hearne (an Iron Druid tale)
• Select Mode by Mark Lawrence (a Broken Empire tale)
• All the Girls Love Michael Stein by David Anthony Durham
• Strange Rain by Jennifer Bosworth (a Struck epilogue tale)
• Unbowed by Eldon Thompson (a Legend of Asahiel tale)
• Untitled by Naomi Novik (a Temeraire tale)
• The Jester by Michael J. Sullivan (a Riyria Chronicles tale)
• The Duel by Lev Grossman (a Magicians tale)
• The Unfettered Knight by Shawn Speakman (an Annwn Cycle tale)

Rebellion Announce New YA Imprint.

It seems that Rebellion can't stop finding themselves new publishing imprints. The pulp stuff is covered by Abaddon, the more regular sci-fi/fantasy/horror/urban fantasy comes under Solaris and now Ravenstone will be taking care of YA business. Here's a couple of excerpts from the press release,

Showcasing the very best in literature for the young, Ravenstone is a brand new publishing imprint bringing works of quality fiction to young readers around the world. Dedicated to highlighting works of genre-busting adventure and incisive and challenging writing, Ravenstone will be launched in September 2012.

The imprint’s launch title will be the beautiful debut novel Lupus Rex, by the high-profile musician and writer John Carter Cash. To be published in June 2013, Lupus Rex will have enormous appeal to children and older readers alike. This astonishing new tale is in the tradition of Watership Down, The Rats of Nimh, the Redwall series and Duncton Wood.

Isyl and Cormo are two quail who must risk their lives when they are driven from their home by the crows when the Murder fractures over the decision of who shall rule the Tree. The disorder this brings to the region comes to the attention of the wolf Asmod and he sees an opportunity to make himself King. To restore order the quails must venture far from their home to seek an audience with a potentially dangerous ally, the hawk Pitrin. As the forest trembles with the approach of Asmod’s army, the two quail will find themselves entangled in an epic struggle, as they fight to bring peace to the Field.

Editor-in-chief Jonathan Oliver said: “The Young Adult market is a vibrant and exciting melting pot of genres and ideas and I’m delighted to lead us into this territory with our new imprint.”

'Lupus Rex' looks like it could be a strong opening shot from Ravenstone although the bit in the press release about how 'Ravenstone will publish one book a season' makes me wonder how they will keep up with the likes of Strange Chemistry and all that. That 'one book' will either be absolutely amazing or they're just testing the waters to see how it all goes. Whichever it is, best of luck guys :o)

One for 2013? 'Nexus' (Ramez Naam)

It's getting to that time again where advance copies start turning up for next year. If you're not pre-ordering this stuff already then what I'll be doing here is just giving you a little heads up (every now and then) on what's coming your way. Ramez Naam's 'Nexus' is due for release in January, from Angry Robot, but an advance copy came through the door about an hour ago. Check it out...

 
In the near future, the experimental nano-drug Nexus can link human together, mind to mind. There are some who want to improve it. There are some who want to eradicate it. And there are others who just want to exploit it. When a young scientist is caught improving Nexus, he’s thrust over his head into a world of danger and international espionage – for there is far more at stake than anyone realizes.

The blurb, on the back of my copy, bills 'Nexus' as a 'hard SF thriller' and I've got to say that's a bit of a turn off for me (I'm not afraid to admit that I never have much of a clue what goes on in any Hard SF book...) I'm also in two minds about the plot. I mean, are there enough 'mankind gets an upgrade' novels out there already? Angry Robot are on the ball enough for 'Nexus' to probably surprise us all, on that score, but I'm not sure...

That's what I think anyway. Does 'Nexus' sound like a book that you'd pick up? Is it on your list of books to read in 2013? I don't think it will be on mine.

One to look out for next year? 'Saxon's Bane' (Geoffrey Gudgion)

Because I quite liked doing these posts last year and now seemed like the time to start doing them again.

From the press release,

Solaris is proud to announce a 2013 debut novel that brings the Dark Ages crashing into the 21st Century.

Geoffrey Gudgion’s historical supernatural thriller, Saxon’s Bane, will be published in September 2013.

A contemporary novel with a thrilling historical heart, Gudgion’s first novel is set in the 21st century but grounded in the Dark Ages, with a Saxon legend at its heart.

The past invades the present in this beautiful, lyrical and frightening tale, inspired by Gudgion’s love of ancient, ethereal places, and his eye for signs of the distant past in the English landscape of today.

Fergus Sheppard’s world changes forever the day his car crashes near the remote village of Allingley. Traumatised by his near-death experience, he returns to thank the villagers who rescued him, and stays to work at the local stables as he recovers from his injuries. He will discover a gentler pace of life, fall in love and be targeted for human sacrifice.

Clare Harvey’s life will never be the same either. The young archaeologist’s dream find ¬ the peat-preserved body of a Saxon warrior is giving her nightmares. She can tell that the warrior had been ritually murdered, and that the partial skeleton lying nearby is that of a young woman. And their tragic story is unfolding in her head every time she goes to sleep.

Fergus discovers that his crash is uncannily linked to the excavation, and that the smiling and beautiful countryside harbours some very dark secrets.

As the pagan festival of Beltane approaches, and Clare’s investigation reveals the full horror of a Dark Age war crime, Fergus and Clare seem destined to share the Saxon couple’s bloody fate.

Have you ever read a blurb where you find yourself thinking, 'I know how this one is going to go'? 'Saxon's Bane' feels like one of those books to me... Solaris have done alright by me, more often than not, though so I will give this one a shot when it arrives next year. There's nothing quite like planning your reading a whole year in advance is there...? ;o)

Black Library Expo in Canada - A Guest Post...

This post should have gone up yesterday but... erm... better late than never I guess :o)

There's a Black Library Expo in Canada, fairly imminently, and I was asked if I'd like to host a guest post (from a BL author) talking about the event. Of course I said yes and totally lucked out with who was writing 'my post'; Chris Wraight is no stranger to this blog and now he's back to tell us a little bit about what you can expect to find in Chestermere at the beginning of October...

Being a writer is a privilege. It’s easy to forget that sometimes when the deadlines are looming like banked thunderheads, but it’s incredibly fortunate to be allowed to write stories for a living. It’s even more fortunate when people want to buy those stories, and then talk about them, and then turn them into new stories in turn. And of all the ways to do it, working in a shared universe is surely the most sociable and the most satisfying way to write. It feels at times like being part of one huge narrative, constructed over decades and drawing in the talents and energy of dozens of creative minds.

Taking part in events like the Black Library Expo in Chestermere is like going back to the wellspring, having a chance to chat to the readers, the enthusiasts, authors and editors, the people who ultimately drive the whole thing and keep it going. I’ve always come away from such events with more energy, more ideas and a renewed sense of direction. That’s very useful, as otherwise we spend most of our time working alone. The Internet generates a lot of feedback, of course, but that’s a double-edged sword: people behave differently online; it’s far more rewarding to speak to readers face to face.

It helps when the places we go to are exciting and unfamiliar, as Canada is to me. I’ve never been before, and plan to make the most of it during the short time we’re there. The utterly marvellous Gemma Noon, who’s been organising the event with zest and flair, has been merrily sending out pictures of Alberta for weeks, and it looks stunning. Really stunning. A bit like Fenris, I suppose, without all the murderous fauna lurking around every corner (I hope).

And there’ll be plenty of stuff to talk about. The ink is barely dry on the huge Fear to Tread, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of feverish anticipation over Pariah too. I’m hoping to get a look at Orion: the Vaults of Winter, as well as have a good chat with Nick Kyme about The Great Betrayal and its sequels. As for my own stuff, I’ll be looking forward to discussing recently completed things, like the unremittingly dour Wrath of Iron and the slightly less unremittingly dour Swords of the Emperor omnibus. By the time the doors open there’ll be other projects I’ll be itching to talk about but will probably have to be careful with: more Space Wolves, some dragon-riding High Elves, and in all probability some jetbike-riding White Scars.

It promises to be amazing. Having been lurking on the horizon for a while, it finally feels very close, and I can’t wait. So if you’re in the neighbourhood, or can find a way of getting there, come along. Events like this one don’t come along very often, and you’re not going to want to miss it.

 

Chris will be hanging out in Chestermere, Alberta, on 6 & 7 October, at the BlackLibrary Expo –the first event of its type in Canada. Tickets and further details can be found at www.ChestermereExpo.caand at www.facebook.com/ChestermereExpo

Today is 'Buy a Book Day'!

I didn't realise it until I read this post and found myself directed to this site, now I know :o) By 'National', the site owners are talking about America but I'm sure they won't mind if the rest of us join in... ;o)

Books and buying books are two of my favourite things so I will of course be doing my bit later today. To be honest, I would probably have bought a book anyway :o) Are you with me? Of course you are! Go and buy that book, right now! It's a cause worth supporting.